Coastal Quest
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Coastal Quest (the Organization) is a nonprofit organization working collaboratively with partners to build resilient coastal communities in California. Our Mission is to accelerate solutions, building resilient coastal communities for people, nature, and the climate.Coastal Quest is committed to catalyzing positive change by placing communities at the forefront of climate resilience and adaptation efforts. By embracing the principles of community-driven solutions and public-private partnership, our organization aims to build a more sustainable and resilient future for coastal regions, where the strengths and voices of local communities are central to shaping and implementing effective solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring coastal ecosystems are sustained and provide the multiple benefits and value that communities care about.
- Income
- $3.3 million
- Spending
- $3.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 84%
- Reserves
- 0.3 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 62%
- Employees
- 21
- Volunteers
- 6
- Highest pay
- $221,954, executive dir.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 12% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.3 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 21% of what it owns.
Living within its means
4 of 15Spending exceeded income by 7% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 6% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1584% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 7 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $1.7 million spent. Resilient Coastal Communities and Governments. Coastal Quest collaborates with nonprofits, community organizations, local and state agencies, and other leaders to create equitable solutions that mitigate climate change impacts, enhance water quality, and support healthy coastal ecosystems. Through public-private partnerships and equity-driven approaches, Coastal Quest is developing replicable community resilience projects aligned with the values and priorities of affected communities. Coastal Quest's role involves identifying needs, opportunities, tools, and inclusive approaches at various scales. By developing, launching, and assessing scalable regional pilots focused on multi-benefit resilience, Coastal Quest accelerates solutions for climate-resilient communities.
- $626,402 spent. Protecting and Restoring Coastal Ecosystems.Globally, efforts are underway to reframe the role of coastal ecosystems in climate change mitigation and to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. There is a significant opportunity to better integrate coastal ecosystems as natural climate solutions, which can protect biodiversity, enhance water quality, and boost community resilience. These efforts align with the Biden Administrations 30x30 America the Beautiful Initiative and global targets. Coastal Quest collaborates with partners to drive the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems, delivering blue carbon benefits and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. They serve as a hub for dialogues, sharing lessons, pilots, and best practices, providing technical assistance and funding, and fostering political will and public-private partnerships.
- $593,537 spent. Resilient Protected Areas and Parks. A United States executive order has prompted state and local governments to swiftly develop nature-based solutions to combat climate change. These solutions aim to sequester carbon, reduce pollution, restore wildlife habitats, and benefit communities. There is an opportunity to enhance climate-resilient parks and protected areas through federal, state, and local public-private partnerships, focusing on management, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Coastal Quest collaborates with partners to identify needs, secure funding, and provide support in navigating sub-granting, contracting, and hiring processes. They also lead community engagement efforts to create effective solutions for resilient natural resources, infrastructure, recreation, access, and cultural resources.
- $16,177 spent. Clean Coastal Water. Water quality agencies at national, state, and local levels face challenges in enforcing existing regulations and updating standards to address emerging issues and climate change. There are opportunities to enhance capacity and improve water quality management for contaminants, nutrient pollution, sea level rise, and wastewater/stormwater treatment, benefiting both people and nature. Coastal Quest is advancing water quality solutions through partnerships with state and local agencies.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since February 2000.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.